A triple stress fracture of the back at the age of 16 almost ended Ivan Thomas's dreams of becoming a professional cricketer. The 6ft 4in fast bowler missed two seasons out of three in his teens but, aged 20, was called into Kent's first team for a Championship match against Essex in 2012, taking 2 for 29 from 16 overs. He also played against the touring South Africans later that summer (dismissing JP Duminy) and looked to have a promising future, provided fitness issues did not derail him any further. Injury dogged Thomas again in 2013 but he is highly regarded in Canterbury and will hope to secure a place in the 2014 team.
ESPNcricinfo staff